6/23

Hello, I’m finally back on the blog with lots to tell. Twenty-seven hits since I last wrote. Thank you dear readers and please forgive my negligence to blog. I just returned from trip to my homeland–south GA. It always renews me to see some of the old places still standing and that includes many dear faces. Usual feast at Coleman House with my friend since first grade, Annette. Spent afternoon and evening with her. We never stop talking and can always complete any tale brought up by the other. I am so thankful to have folks like her in my life. Then on to the city of Norristown, population 11, to be with my 90 year old lifelong friend, Melvie.
Never question the resilience of a Georgia lady. She is in wheelchair, lives alone & takes care of all of her needs. I think it is enabled by her sausage & grits breakfast every morning. Love being with her. Note that she is in the acknowledgements of all three books. There would be no books without her tales. She truly fills the bill as “my muse.”
Coleman House continues to be one of my best sales spots. They display books prominently in gift shop & I always get a thrill when there just for lunch & someone comes over and says, “You’re the one who wrote the books.” I very proudly say “Yes”
Sad sad time for dear South Carolina. Things like this are not supposed to happen any where and certainly not in a church in Charleston, our Holy City. These are truly nine martyrs who will always be remembered. I must go on record that I have pictures of both of my great-grandfathers wearing Confederate uniforms. They look no more than eighteen. I have always been told the tale that my G-G grandfather Proctor walked home from Virginia. This is family history that will always be cherished BUT take down the flag from the SC capitol grounds. It should have never been placed there. I am southern to the core but cannot respect the cause this flag has come to represent. Enough said, and I hope I haven’t imposed my feelings on you.
Now I will say good night and hope I did not rant on too much. You are the best. Shirley